Balaam was a sorcerer but at the same time, one who followed God?
Balaam wanted money, but he refused to do what Balak asked him to do because God told him not to curse Israel. But on second request, God told him to go but say what God would tell him. However, God wanted him killed for going but his scared donkey saved him, whether God was with his donkey to show Balaam that God was powerful than him and Balaam must have sinned or that his motive in going had been wrong (which I could not find in the readings). And in the presence of Balak who wanted Israel cursed, Balaam blessed Israel because God told him what to say. On the third time, Balaam knew God was protecting Israel, Balaam, in the Holy Spirit, told already what he could bless Israel and then cursed Balak. (In previous passages, God protected Israel from men who wanted Israel destroyed for God was with Israel.)
In chapter 25, an Israelite and his pagan partner was killed by Phinehas, a grandson of Aaron, who hated sin, as a sacrifice for the sins of Israel, to save them from God's destruction. Jesus Christ, who never was a sinner became a sacrifice, sacrificed by sinners who loved their sins, to save those who are His own from God's wrath and upcoming Judgment.
The relation of these passages is that our motives should be pure because God is pure, but sinners as we are, we cannot do purity on own. Hence, Jesus Christ came and ascended to heaven leaving us the Holy Spirit to guide us and teach us, preparing us before we leave earth and be with God. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to mold us, no matter how painful it can be for we know the promise that is given to us that we will be with God forever and this earth us just our temporary home. So let us trust God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strengths.
